Buhari Orders Security Operatives to Quench Violent Protests

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Security operatives in the country have been given the directive by President Muhammadu Buhari to deal decisively with any hoodlum who tries to hide under lawful and peaceful protests to cause mayhem.

The President, while speaking on Monday at the opening ceremony of the Chief of Army Staff’s Annual Conference 2020, noted that his administration will not allow anyone to destabilise the peace of the nation.

The conference themed Human Capacity Development in Sustaining Professionalism and Responsiveness of the Nigerian Army in the Discharge of its Constitutional Roles provides an avenue for the leadership of the army to re-assess its preparedness and operational readiness in carrying out its constitutional roles.

Mr Buhari commended the army for its unwavering commitment towards curtailing the activities of insurgents, armed bandits, kidnappers, cattle rustlers and other violent criminals through ongoing exercises and operations in different parts of the country.

He specifically lauded the army for the quelling the violence that trailed the recent #EndSARS protests in different parts of the country.

The President recounted that the #EndSARS protests were sadly hijacked by hooligans to cause wanton damage to lives and property in many cities across the country.

Today, some youths planned to resume the protest and Mr Buhari at the conference on Monday reiterated government’s commitment to the rights of citizens to embark on peaceful protests responsibly and in accordance with the laws of the land. However, he emphasised that any attempt to use the demonstrations to cause trouble would not be tolerated.

Speaking on the level of insecurity in the country, the President said he was impressed with the progress made by the army so far.

“I have also been briefed about the tremendous successes that have been achieved by troops during the ongoing Operation FIRE BALL in the North East.

“I charge you all to sustain these efforts until the full restoration of peace and security in the nation is achieved,” President Buhari said.

Mr Buhari also said he was aware of the some of the major capabilities procured for the army to soon be inducted into the various theatres of operations, urging personnel “to make judicious use of these capabilities, even as we await the arrival of others currently pending shipment to the country.”